It is still around me this morning, more quiet than usual, the layers of silence encircle me as I put word to page. This time of day seems to hold its breath, waiting and anticipating the waking of man and beast. Inside I feel the same today, there is a calm silence, is it an acceptance, a surrender, a peace within the unknown? I cannot truly identify it, or explain it. It feels like I walked to the edge of the cliff, stepped trustingly off and now I float through the space, completely suspended by the air around me. I am not afraid, for I do not see the ground rushing up at me, nor do I feel as though I will be carried anywhere I should not go. At the same time I am curious, what will unfold today, what will become, what connections, what lessons, what gifts, etc… I have my “to do” list prepared, the intentions for the day, the necessary action steps to move forward towards my vision/dream.

Yesterday as I drove to and from the gym, to the class I taught and home, during all moments when I was not madly working on some aspect of the business, I was listening to motivational Youtube recordings. Lots of John Maxwell yesterday, he definitely made me think and ponder. I listened twice to his talk on, “The Rule of 5 for Lifting Your Lid.” The first rule of that five is, “you must first lead yourself”, stating that if you would not follow yourself, why should anyone else. I loved this statement, for it has intrinsically been a part of my philosophy and way of being. As a teacher I did not ask my students to do something I myself would not do, as a facilitator I did not ask my participants to do something I had not already forged through, as a health coach it is imperative that I “walk my talk”, reflecting good health and fitness, as a manager I never asked of my employees that which I was not willing to do…. I reflected upon past bosses, teachers, speakers, colleagues, influential people from along the way, it became clear why certain situations “fell apart” and I had to move on. I continue to dig deep into this teaching, searching and exploring how I can apply it even more strongly in my life.

The other four rules are just as powerful as the first. They are as follows –

2. Add value to someone’s life.

3. Study Leadership.

4. Practice Leading.

5. Intentionally grow.

These fives rules are to be practiced everyday!! Yes, everyday, not just every now and then! I get this especially with regard to health, fitness, spiritual growth, and self care – for I have daily practices that I have done for years and years and years. It is true, it works, the “lid” does lift and become more when we are consistent, especially with the little things we think do not matter. An example of this from my life is that at fifty-two I finally went to the doctor this year for the first time in twenty-five years (had both children naturally at home with a midwife), I got the whole kit and caboodle done – the results – this girl is still very healthy with her blood work showing similar numbers to twenty-five years ago! Whoo Hoo.., this gift was a by-product of consistently taking care of my body, mind and spirit. I look to this experience as a patient reminder that building a business takes time, just as building up my muscles took consistent training. Writing a book takes patience and determination day in and day out. The wonderful magic of it all, is that every day I wake up driven by a purpose. I’m excited to see how I may serve someone, who might contact me, what might grow from the seeds I’ve been planting. Each day is its own little miracle.

I chose to do this blog in “naked truth”, authentically coming to the page, day in and day out, hoping that my words help someone out there to not feel alone on the journey to manifesting their dreams. I also committed to the blank canvas everyday to push myself as a writer. To step into my discomfort zone of expressing not just sweet stuff, but the gritty and not so nice stuff too. Today is one of those days where I sit before the screen uncertain what to share, for I find myself processing and digesting the swirling realities of my life. I cling tenaciously to my dream with tired, bloodied fingers. Something I keep hearing day in and day out about the climb to “success” is that if it were easy, then everyone would do it – this is true. The people I admire and look to for inspiration fell down lots of times, they got back up, they kept stepping, they never gave up… They faced judgment, ridicule, adversity, and some were completely ostracized, yet they continued forth. I draw great comfort today from those that forge the path before me, they are my inspiration, the leaders I look to for guidance and the sensation that I am not alone. I take a deep breath of surrendered gratitude. Today I shall do my best, today I shall continue to step with conviction, today I shall strive to be the change I wish to see in the world. I will show up in humble willingness to serve others along the way, for today is another opportunity to do and be more.

May today shine upon you with grace, serendipity and synchronicity. Until tomorrow A.C.T. (always choose truth) through your actions, words, and internal thoughts.